Comments on: A Good Idea

By: aaronklein

aaronklein — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:23:07 +0000

Extraordinarily well put. I've often said that government regulators should focus on three simple things: ensuring that companies (a) tell the truth; (b) live up to their contractual promises; and (c) do not engage in anti-competitive behavior.

If our government would focus on these three things, capitalism would be a self-correcting force for good in this country, and it would be a rising tide that lifts all boats — not to equality, but to the level that each individual wants to achieve through hard work.

Great post — and thanks.

By: George Rebane

George Rebane — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:04:30 +0000

“Capitalism isn't evil. It can do great things …” Indeed it can and has beyond measure. But in its true expression, capitalism will always ferret out the art of the possible, as does politics. It is the role of a strong yet minimalist government of the people to set and enforce the rules by which capiltalism will play. And when capitalism errs, don't blame it because it did only what it was meant to do – because it will run wild. Look at government and its electors, it is they who are charged with keeping the beast on the track of creating an unimagined quality of life for all. (In the words of the technician, from control and estimation theory we know that ALL high performance systems operate at the edge of stability. It is the low performers that muddle in the doldrums, deliver little, and promise nothing.)

By: aaronklein

aaronklein — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:35:18 +0000

Exactly. Very well put.

Amazing stuff you are doing with Chrometa! Excited every time I hear of your success.

By: Brett Owens

Brett Owens — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:32:24 +0000

Great post Aaron! I completely agree – there's nothing wrong with charging a fair price. Free probably distorts the marketplace more than anything.

But – to the winner goes the spoils – they've definitely earned the right to run Craigslist the way they want. Can't argue with their success.

Also I agree – entrepreneurship is the best way to fight poverty. The old teach a man to fish axiom. Create more value – make the pie bigger – helps everyone.